Power Unleashed

The arena fell into absolute silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Across from Nate, Eden hesitated, clearly debating whether or not to go all out. Nate, on the other hand, wasn’t even sure if his powers would activate properly—but he was willing to take the risk.

“So you’re saying if I go all out, you will too?” Eden asked, stroking his chin.

“Yeah, probably,” Nate replied, keeping his eyes locked on the system screen hovering before him.

---

System: You are not to use your Beast Change.

---

“Then give me something that allows me to use my power without transforming,” Nate muttered through clenched teeth.

---

System: Processing request...

Request accepted.

Two new abilities obtained:

— Beast Strength

— Double Mana

To accept these abilities, you must sacrifice half of your level.

Accept: Yes/No?

---

Nate hesitated. He was only level 17. Losing half of that… would he even stand a chance?

“Fine. If my power is all you need to show yours, then it’s a deal,” Eden declared, his aura igniting like wildfire—violent, searing, and overwhelming.

“So this is his power… incredible,” Nate murmured.

He took a step forward, eyes burning with resolve. “Fine, System. Let’s do this.”

---

System:

Processing power transfer...

Power transfer complete.

Level reduced by 50%.

Two new abilities gained:

— Beast Strength LV: ???

— Double Mana LV: ???

---

Nate blinked. His level had dropped—but his mana and health remained the same. What kind of trick was this? Either way, he didn’t have time to figure it out.

He’d use Beast Strength for now. Using Double Mana would likely take too heavy a toll.

----

Eden’s power erupted like the birth of a storm, his presence shaking the Colosseum to its core. The air itself vibrated.

Nate, however, stood calmly. He was even smiling, as if this was nothing.

“Time to see yours, Nate,” Eden said, stepping forward—his footfalls cracking the ground beneath him.

“Fine. If that’s what you wish for.”

Nate closed his eyes, and in an instant, his aura vanished—completely, like it had never existed.

“Now, bring it on.”

Emily's eyes widened. What the hell is he thinking?! His power was gone. He couldn’t even take a single hit from Eden like this!

Eden charged forward, appearing right in front of Nate and launching a punch—only for Nate to casually sidestep like he was avoiding a breeze.

One strike. Two. Three. He evaded them all.

How?! HOW IS HE EVADE THEM LIKE THAT WITHOUT USING MANA?!

---

Nate

The Thunderstorm Cheetah’s agility. The Ignil Lion’s instincts.

They were guiding him now.

He could see Eden’s moves before they even began. Dodging was effortless.

Time to test the Ignil Lion’s strength.

As Eden threw another punch, Nate ducked and countered with a devastating blow to his gut.

The impact shattered a section of the arena, sending shockwaves through the air. Eden’s eyes flashed white for a moment before he retaliated with a punch of his own, slamming into Nate’s stomach.

Nate skidded back, his vision flaring white.

Damn. He’s strong.

---

Owen

At first, Owen had assumed Nate was finished. The moment Nate’s aura vanished, hope had disappeared.

But now?

He was matching Eden—without mana?!

This wasn’t a fight. It was a destructive war. Every punch shattered stone, every step cracked the ground.

If this continues, they’ll bring the whole arena down.

They had to stop them. Soon.

Or none of them would make it out.

---

Tenkanshirayuki

Deep within the dungeon beneath the city, Tenkanshirayuki leaned back against the cold stone of his cell, listening to the distant rumble of explosions above.

What’s going on?

Before he could dwell on it, a knight in blue armor appeared silently in front of his cell. The colors of Drakenshold.

The knight didn’t speak. Didn’t gesture. Just unlocked the cell and tossed him the keys before walking away.

Tenkanshirayuki stared at him, then smirked.

No words were needed.

Go do what you do best.

And he surely would.

First, he had a score to settle.

With the gladiator boy.

---

Guild Master Acronis

From his high seat, Guild Master Acronis observed in silence as three subordinates stood before him.

“Go. Seal the arena,” he ordered.

They obeyed instantly.

The master exhaled, gazing up at the ceiling.

This new boy…

Could it be…?

---

Nate

The arena was nearly in ruins.

Nate’s cheetah speed was fading. Eden’s aura was dimming too.

Both combatants charged forward one final time, their blows colliding in a thunderous impact.

They staggered apart, panting.

“You’re damn stubborn,” Nate said between breaths.

Eden chuckled. “Like you’re one to talk.”

Then—

BOOM.

A massive force crashed down from above. Something—no, someone—was descending.

“Move!” Eden shouted.

They leapt back just in time as an attack obliterated the center of the battlefield.

Athena reacted immediately, summoning a thick ice barrier to deflect a second strike. The barrier shattered on impact, exploding into shimmering shards.

As the dust cleared, a man hovered in the sky. Mid-thirties. Long, messy hair. Black, unshaved beard. A sinister grin twisted across his face.

Nate's voice dropped to a whisper. “Who is that?”

Eden’s expression hardened. “It’s been a long time... I’m here for round two,” the man said.

---

“Holy Knight Owen,” Eden called, his voice low and lethal.

“Yes, sir?” Owen snapped to attention.

“Take Athena and the others to safety. Evacuate the civilians.”

His calm tone was colder than steel.

“Y-Yes, sir!”

Adventurers scrambled. Athena and Emily stayed behind, unwilling to leave.

Nate turned toward Eden. “What now?”

“Holding back against him is a waste of time,” Eden muttered. “Listen… It’s your choice. Fight beside me—or walk away.”